Bio-efficacy of Herbicides on Weed Density, Weed Control Efficiency, Productivity and Groundnut Quality in Coastal Zone of Karnataka under Rice-Groundnut System

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Kumta, Uttara Kannada district during the rabi-summer season of 2016-17 to investigate the Bio-efficacy of herbicides on weed density, weed control efficiency, productivity and groundnut quality in coastal zone of Karnataka under rice-groundnut system. The experiment followed a RBD with nine treatments out of which six treatments involved the pre-emergence application of herbicides followed by either hand weeding or early post-emergence application, along with control treatments. The results indicated that the pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 30% E.C. (1.5 kg ha-1), followed by one hand weeding at 25 days after sowing (DAS), resulted in significantly reduced total weed density and weed dry matter. This treatment also demonstrated higher weed control efficiency and lower weed index. Moreover, it led to increased pod yield, kernel yield and improved quality of groundnut compared to other treatments.